Absorbent article with improved fit

ABSTRACT

Absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel, which product has a stiffening element ( 6 ) which is intended to contribute to the three-dimensional shape of the product during its use.  
     The stiffening element ( 6 ) is in a plane state before use of the product and extends in the longitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion ( 3 ) and at least some way in over the front portion ( 1 ).  
     The stiffening element ( 6 ) has a width (M) at the transition ( 12 ) between the crotch portion ( 3 ) and the front portion ( 1 ) which is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and which is of the order of 15-45 mm.  
     The stiffening element ( 6 ) extends some way in over the rear portion ( 2 ) and there consists of two separate portions ( 14, 15 ), one on each side of a longitudinal center line (L).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/284,871, filed in the United States on Apr. 20, 2001,the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to an absorbent product, such as asanitary towel, a panty liner, an incontinence pad, a nappy or the like,which product has a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, afront portion, a rear portion, a crotch portion located between the rearportion and the front portion, an absorbent element, a liquidtightlayer, and also a stiffening element which is intended to contribute tothe three-dimensional shape of the product during its use.

[0004] 2. Background Art

[0005] A great many features are desired in absorbent products, such asa sanitary towel, an incontinence pad, a nappy or the like, which arenot easy to accomplish simultaneously. One such feature is that theproduct, for example a sanitary towel, will be capable of catching andabsorbing bodily fluid discharged from the wearer. Conventional sanitarytowels in sizes intended for heavy flows of menstrual fluid have been ofthick and relatively wide design. Sanitary towels of this type aredescribed in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,294,091. Thick and relativelywide sanitary towels of this type theoretically have great absorptioncapacity but in practice, when the sanitary towel is subjected tocompression forces when squeezed together between the thighs of thewearer, much of the take-up capacity and absorption capacity can belost. The sanitary towel is squeezed together into an arbitraryrope-like shape which frequently does not offer a sufficiently largereceiving surface for the menstrual fluid discharged, and leakage occursin the case of heavy flows of menstrual fluid. The sanitary towel canalso be pressed together between the thighs of the wearer in such amanner that the side edges of the sanitary towel and the liquidtightlayer are folded in over the liquid-permeable surface and in this wayreduce the size of the liquid-receiving surface available.

[0006] Sanitary towels are intended to be positioned inside a pair ofbriefs, the design of which may vary. In this connection, sanitarytowels can be positioned incorrectly inside the briefs. There istherefore a risk of the sanitary towel being, by mistake, positioned toofar forward or too far back or displaced slightly in the lateraldirection and therefore of the absorption capacity and receiving surfaceof the whole sanitary towel not being optimally utilized.

[0007] Conventional sanitary towels are generally retained in the briefsof the wearer by means of pressure-sensitive adhesive or frictioncoatings. The sanitary towel is fitted by being put in position in thebriefs, after which the latter are pulled up into position. When fittingthe product inside the briefs, however, it is difficult to achieve apositioning which is optimum in relation to the body of the wearer. Useis usually made of the crotch portion of the briefs in order todetermine where the sanitary towel will be positioned. As sanitarytowels are manufactured in a great many sizes and models, the positionand design of the crotch portion provide a particularly unreliableindication of where in the briefs a sanitary towel is to be positioned,and the functioning of the sanitary towel during use is consequently notalways as desired.

[0008] Another cause of leakage occurring past sanitary towels attachedinside the briefs of the wearer is that the sanitary towel movestogether with the briefs instead of following the body movements of thewearer. This means that even a sanitary towel which was from the outsetpositioned correctly in the briefs in relation to the body can be pulledout of this position by the briefs.

[0009] In order to attempt to reduce leakage arising as a result of thesanitary towel being pressed together between the legs of the wearer, ithas become usual to provide the sanitary towels with special attachmentflaps. It is known from, for example, SE 455 668, U.S. Pat. No.4,285,343, EP 0 130 848, EP 0 134 086 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,608,047 toprovide sanitary towels with flexible side flaps or wings projectingfrom the longitudinal side edges. These are intended to be folded aroundthe edge portions of the briefs of the wearer when the sanitary towel isput on and attached to the outside of the briefs. The side flaps per seconstitute protection against side edge leakage and soiling of thebriefs. Moreover, deformation of the absorption body of the sanitarytowel is counteracted by virtue of the fact that the sanitary towel isanchored at the leg edges of the briefs and is held extended betweenthese during use.

[0010] However, a considerable disadvantage of providing absorbentproducts with such attachment flaps is that many wearers find itembarrassing that the attachment flaps are visible on the outside of thebriefs. This also means that absorbent products with such attachmentflaps cannot be used when, for example, the wearer is wearing aswimsuit.

[0011] Another disadvantage of the attachment flaps is that they arerelatively difficult to handle and require many manual operations inorder to be fitted correctly around the leg edges of the briefs.Furthermore, especially in the case of attachment flaps which extendquite a long way along the side edges of a sanitary towel, it can bevirtually impossible to fold the attachment flaps around the curved legedges of the briefs without chafing and unattractive creases in theattachment flaps occurring.

[0012] A further problem of sanitary towels with attachment flaps isthat the functioning of the attachment flaps or wings depends on thedesign of the briefs. It goes without saying that a sanitary towel withattachment flaps interacts differently with briefs with a wide crotchcompared with briefs with a very narrow crotch.

[0013] Attachment flaps or wings on sanitary towels protect the legedges of the briefs from soiling but, as emerged above, are far frombeing an entirely satisfactory solution.

[0014] In order to improve leakproofness, EP 0 067 465 has proposedmanufacturing a two-part sanitary towel in which the two parts areinterconnected only at their end portions. The lower part is fastened inthe briefs of the wearer, and the upper part makes contact with the bodyof the wearer. The idea is that the parts will be able to move slightlyin relation to one another during use. The mobility between the partsis, however, very limited, and the known sanitary towel is stilldependent on the movements of the briefs. Furthermore, there is noguarantee that the upper part will be held in contact with the body ofthe wearer during use.

[0015] PCT/SE96/01061 describes another two-part absorbent product inwhich the two parts are movable in relation to one another. This knownproduct also has limited mobility between the parts and is to a certainextent dependent on the movements of the briefs.

[0016] One way of attempting to reduce the risk of edge leakage causedby deformation of the sanitary towel during use is to provide thesanitary towel with a preshaped raised portion, what is known as a hump,which is intended to make contact with the genitals of the wearer duringuse of the sanitary towel. Discharged bodily fluid can in this way becaught as soon as it leaves the body of the wearer and be absorbedimmediately into the product instead of running out over the surface ofthe latter. A raised portion also makes it easier for the wearer toposition the product correctly in relation to the body. French patentpublication FR-A-2 653 328 describes a sanitary towel with a hump in theform of a central, longitudinal, cylindrical raised portion.

[0017] A common way of creating a raised portion has been quite simplyto build it up by arranging a greater quantity of absorption materialwithin the area of the raised portion. As the absorption material usedis in most cases what is known as cellulose fluff pulp, however, such araised portion collapses and loses its shape when it is wetted. In orderto produce a raised portion which is sufficiently large in the wet stateas well, a raised portion consisting of cellulose fluff pulp mustcomprise so much absorption material that it is altogether too high,hard and uncomfortable to wear in the dry state.

[0018] It is also known to produce an article with a raised portionfacing the wearer by positioning a shaping element on top of theabsorbent core. The disadvantage is that this interferes with the liquidtransport down to the absorbent, liquid-retaining absorption core andthat leakage can occur because the shaping element does not havesufficient admission capacity or temporary retention capacity. The useof, for example, a foamed material in the raised portion has beenproposed. However, it has proved difficult to produce a foamed structurewith sufficiently open pores for good liquid admission into the latterat the same time as the material is to have such great retentioncapacity that liquid is not pressed out in the event of loadingoriginating from the wearer, for example when the latter sits down.

[0019] Another example of a raised portion is described in Swedishpatent 507 798. Such a raised portion has a predictable shape, bothbefore and during use, and also keeps its shape irrespective of themovements of the wearer and of the wetting to which it is subjected. Theraised portion is anatomically designed, which means that it isrelatively narrow in order to project in slightly between the labia ofthe wearer during use without causing discomfort for the wearer.

[0020] Although such a raised portion functions well for its purpose, ithas been found that when the raised portion is exposed to largequantities of bodily fluid over a relatively short period of time, thereis a risk that some of the liquid will run on the outside of the raisedportion and flow out past the side edges of the absorbent product. Suchleakage can occur, for example, when the wearer of a sanitary towel hasbeen sitting or lying down for a relatively long period of time and thensuddenly rises. This is because, when the wearer is sitting or lyingdown, a relatively large quantity of menstrual fluid accumulates in thevagina of the wearer. In the event of a sudden change in body position,the entire quantity of accumulated liquid may be discharged at once. Anarrow raised portion of the type described in SE 507 798 does not thenhave a sufficiently large surface to be capable of receiving andabsorbing the entire quantity of liquid in one go, for which reason suchsudden liquid flows often result in leakage.

[0021] EP 0 335 252 and EP 0 335 253 have proposed providing anabsorbent product with a deformation element. The deformation element isacted on by the transverse compressive forces between the thighs of awearer. The purpose of the deformation element is to cause a portion ofthe product to bulge in the direction of the body of the wearer duringuse. It is difficult, however, to control or predict entirely the shapethe product will adopt for each individual wearer. Moreover, it isdifficult to ensure contact between the body of the wearer and thesurface of the product, because the degree of bulging is determinedentirely by how much the product is compressed in the transversedirection.

[0022] U.S. Pat. No. 4,804,380 describes an absorbent product which hasa permanent three-dimensional shape. The product has one end portion offlat or concave shape and one end portion provided with a raisedportion. The flat or concave end portion is intended to be positioned infront of the mons Veneris of the wearer, and the end portion comprisingthe raised portion is intended to fit between the buttocks of thewearer. The three-dimensional design of the product is brought about byfolding a fairly stiff absorption body. In order to make the raisedportion permanent, the rear side of the product in the end portion whichis to have the raised portion is provided with a glued surface. When theraised portion has been formed, it is maintained by means of the glue.

[0023] There are absorbent products on the market which have apermanent, three-dimensional, boat-like shape and in which the outershell consists of a moulded polymer foam.

[0024] A considerable disadvantage of permanent three-dimensionalproducts is that it is difficult to pack a stiff three-dimensionalproduct. Such products require a great deal of space for transport andsale, and it can be embarrassing for a wearer to carry around a sanitarytowel or an incontinence pad which it is impossible to fold andtherefore cannot be concealed in the hand or in the worst case will noteven fit in a handbag.

[0025] EP 155 515 describes how an absorbent product, such as a sanitarytowel, is imparted a bowl-shaped appearance by virtue of elastic beingapplied in a pretensioned state at the longitudinal side edges of theproduct. The use of elastic complicates manufacture, and there is a riskof the intended elastic effect being lost in connection with packing ofthe product or when the latter is stored in a folded packing state.

[0026] It is previously known to design plane absorbent products whichadopt a three-dimensional, essentially bowl-like shape when applied. Anexample of this is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,759. This disclosesan elongate sanitary towel which consists of a layer of absorbentmaterial, a flexible liquidtight outer layer and a liquid-permeableinner layer. The sanitary towel is provided with a pair of channelsformed by stamping, the channels being located on both sides of alongitudinal center axis and extending along a curved path over theabsorption material layer. The two paths together form an hourglass-likeshape positioned centrally over the towel. Before use, the sanitarytowels are essentially plane but, when they are applied to the wearer,they are folded into a bowl-like shape, that is to say withliquid-stopping upright borders outside the channels. A disadvantage ofthis bowl-like construction is that the borders hold the central portionof the sanitary towel at a distance from the genitals of the wearer, andliquid discharged from the wearer does not flow directly into theabsorbent product but can run on the surface, the risk then beingobvious that liquid may find an undesirable transport path in the formof a small crease or the like and run straight out of the product in thelateral or longitudinal direction. Stamped channels in an absorptionbody also have the disadvantage that the liquid spread in the absorptionlayer is disrupted and that absorption material outside the channels isnot utilized, which increases the risk of local oversaturation andattendant leakage from those parts of the absorption layer which areused.

[0027] Previously known sanitary towels and the various problemsassociated with them have in the main been discussed above. However,what has been said above also applies to incontinence pads. Nappies forchildren and adults also belong to the same problem area as far as fitin the crotch and take-up of liquid in an absorption body are concerned.

[0028] As emerged above, great efforts have been made over many years inorder to attempt to solve all the problems associated with absorbentproducts, such as sanitary towels. Although great improvements have beenmade, all the previously known solutions are associated with somedisadvantages.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY

[0029] By means of the present invention, an improved absorbent productof the type mentioned in the introduction has been produced. In oneembodiment of the invention, the stiffening element is in a plane statebefore use of the product, the stiffening element extends in thelongitudinal direction of the product over the crotch portion and atleast some way in over the front portion, the stiffening element has awidth at the transition between the crotch portion and the front portionwhich is adapted to the distance between the muscle tendons of thewearer on both sides of the crotch of the wearer in the groin of thelatter and which is of the order of 15-45 mm, and the stiffening elementalso extends some way in over the rear portion and there comprises twoseparate portions, one on each side of a longitudinal center line.

[0030] An absorbent product according to one embodiment of the inventionhas a number of advantages. It is plane before use, and there aretherefore no problems associated with packing, storing and transportingsaid product. The embodiment automatically adopts a three-dimensionalbowl-like shape in an area in the front portion next to the crotchportion when the product is, at its transition between the front portionand the crotch portion, fixed in between said muscle tendons. It isknown that the distance between said muscle tendons is very similar forall people. Fatness of course has an effect on the width between thethighs, but the width between the muscle groups is the same, and it isthese which may cause a product to feel as if it chafes. The fat tissuelies on the outside of the muscles but does not contribute to anysensation of discomfort. The distance between said muscle tendons is thesame irrespective of whether the wearer is slim, of normal weight oroverweight. It has been found that what determines whether a wearerexperiences discomfort in the form of pressure or chafing against theinsides of the thighs is whether the absorbent product has a widthduring use which in the critical area considerably exceeds the distancebetween the muscle tendons in the groin portion. This distance has beenfound to be roughly 25-45 mm. It has been found that a product with awidth which exceeds 40 mm in the critical area during use feelsuncomfortable to wear to the majority of wearers. On the other hand, itis rarely experienced as being unpleasant if an absorbent product pushesdown or aside fat tissue which may be present in the crotch area of thewearer.

[0031] Surprisingly, it has been found that this distance between saidmuscle tendons does not change throughout the lifetime of a person.Small infants therefore have a corresponding critical distance, which,according to the present invention, can be utilized for producingnappies with an improved fit. The same of course applies for nappies foradults. It is to be pointed out that said critical distance between themuscle tendons applies for men also, who have the same distance betweensaid muscle tendons.

[0032] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, thestiffening element is absorbent and at the same time constitutes theabsorbent element, and it swells during absorption while on the wholeretaining its geometry in the transverse direction of the product.

[0033] According to an alternative embodiment, it is possible, ofcourse, to have a separate stiffening element behind the absorptionelement, seen from the side facing the wearer. However, in terms ofproduction, it is simpler if a separate stiffening element can beeliminated. It is of course preferable from an environmental point ofview also.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment, the width of the stiffening elementat the transition between the crotch portion and the front portion is ofthe order of 30-35 mm. It has been found that a width at said transitionof 30-32 mm fits well for in the order of 80% of all wearers.

[0035] According to a suitable embodiment, the side edges of thestiffening element in the front portion of the product diverge in thedirection from the crotch portion at least some way in over the frontportion, and in that the side edges of the stiffening element, in thedirection from the crotch area, form an acute angle with a line in thelongitudinal direction of the product.

[0036] An embodiment of the invention is adapted to the anatomy of thewearer. The special geometry around the transition between the crotchportion and the front portion results in a product being anchored firmlyin the groins of the wearer during use, and in this way the product isprevented from moving backwards between the legs of the wearer. This isotherwise a common problem in conventional products because the legmovements of the wearer often shift the product backwards.

[0037] The stiffening element preferably has a stiffness of in the orderof 1-15 N measured according to ASTM D 4032-82. This “Circular BendProcedure” is described in detail in EP 336 578, the entire contents ofwhich is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, thestiffening element comprises a dry-formed fiber mat with a densitybetween 0.15 and 0.75 g/cm³ and a weight per unit area of in the orderof 100-400 g/m².

[0039] In this context, the term density means the density of thefibrous material, that is to say any highly absorbent particles includedin the fibrous material are not to be taken into account.

[0040] One such dry-formed fiber mat is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,730,737. The fiber mat produced is very stiff after forming andcompression. The fiber mat can be used as it is or mechanically softenedto the desired stiffness.

[0041] According to a suitable embodiment of the invention, the sideedges of the stiffening element, which diverge at least some way fromthe crotch portion in over the front portion of the product, arearranged so as to form an angle between a line in the longitudinaldirection of the product and each of said side edges are in the order of35-55°, preferably in the order of 45°. With this geometry in and aroundthe transition between the crotch portion and the front portion,effective anchoring is obtained without the wearer experiencing anydiscomfort in the form of chafing or the like.

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sideedges of the stiffening element, in the direction from the crotchportion, diverge at least mentioned above, the crotch portion of coursehas a length of 80-100 mm. This length corresponds to the length of aplane portion in the crotch portion of a woman. The stiffening elementaccording to the last embodiment is therefore anchored both at the rearand at the front at the transition between the crotch portion and therear portion and, respectively, at the transition between the crotchportion and the front portion, as a result of which a product which isvery stable, well fixed and at the same time comfortable during use isobtained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0043] The invention will be described in greater detail below withreference to illustrative embodiments which are shown in theaccompanying drawings, in which:

[0044]FIG. 1 shows a plan view of an absorbent product according to afirst embodiment;

[0045]FIG. 2 shows a section along the line II-II in FIG. 1 but in acurved utilization state;

[0046]FIG. 3 shows an embodiment, slightly modified in relation to theembodiment according to FIG. 1, of a product according to the inventionin a plan view;

[0047]FIG. 4 shows a section along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3;

[0048]FIG. 5 shows a plan view of a third embodiment of the invention;

[0049]FIG. 6 shows a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the inventionseen towards that surface of the product which receives bodily fluids;

[0050]FIG. 7 shows a plan view of the product according to FIG. 6 fromthe opposite side;

[0051]FIG. 8 shows a section along the line VIII-VIII in FIG. 6 but in acurved utilization state;

[0052]FIG. 9 shows the product according to the fourth embodiment, alsoshown in FIGS. 6-8, in perspective and in a utilization state;

[0053]FIG. 10 shows a plan view of a fifth embodiment, slightlysimplified in relation to the embodiment according to FIGS. 6-9, and

[0054]FIG. 11 shows a plan view of an absorbent product according to theinvention in the form of a nappy.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0055]FIGS. 1 and 2 show a preferred embodiment of the invention in theform of a sanitary towel or incontinence pad. The product is elongatewith a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction. The producthas a front portion 1, a rear portion 2 and a crotch portion 3 locatedbetween said portions. The product shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises aliquid-permeable inner layer 4 which is intended to face the wearerduring use of the product. The inner layer, which makes contact directlywith the skin of the wearer, is suitably made from a soft, textile-likematerial. Examples of suitable liquid-permeable materials are varioustypes of what are known as non-woven fabrics. Other examples of suitablematerials are perforated plastic films. Net and knitted or woventextiles and combinations and laminates of said materials can also beused as the inner layer. Examples of inner layers for sanitary towelsare laminates of different non-wovens and laminates of non-wovens andperforated plastic films. The liquid-permeable layer can also beintegrated with underlying drainage or absorption layers, for example afoam plastic with open pores and with a density gradient in the depthdirection can serve as a surface layer and as a drainage layer and/orabsorption layer.

[0056] The absorbent product also has a liquidtight outer layer 5. Thisusually consists of a thin plastic layer, made of polyethylene forexample. It is also possible to use a liquid-permeable material whichhas been treated with hydrophobing agent in order to make itliquidtight. In particular if the absorbent product is relatively large,it may be suitable for the outer layer to be vapour-permeable inaddition to being liquidtight. Such layers can consist of hydrophobednon-woven fabric or of porous plastic films.

[0057] The absorbent product includes an absorbent element 6 ofkeyhole-like shape, and a liquid-permeable insulating layer 7 whichlikewise has a keyhole-like shape but with a greater extent in both thelongitudinal direction and the transverse direction than the absorbentelement 6. The outer layer 5 and the inner layer 4 extend with edgeportions outside the insulating layer around the latter and areinterconnected along these edge portions to form a cover around theabsorbent element 6 and the insulating layer 7. In the region of thecrotch portion 3, the cover formed by the inner and outer layers extendsoutwards in the lateral direction to form flexible side flaps 8, 9,known as wings, which are intended to be arranged around the crotchportion on the briefs of the wearer in order to protect the edgeportions of the briefs from soiling. The wings 8, 9 are suitablyprovided with adhesive coating, which is indicated in FIG. 1 byreference numbers 10, 11, on the outer layer 5, by means of which thewings can be attached around the legs of the briefs. As can be seen fromFIG. 2, the insulating layer 7 is located directly inside the innerlayer 4 and is principally intended for rapidly admitting dischargedbodily fluid into the underlying absorbent element 6 and forming aliquid-insulating layer so as to reduce what is known as back-wettingfrom the absorbent element 6 to the inner layer 4 making contactdirectly with the wearer.

[0058] The insulating layer can consist of, for example, an airlaidfibrous material of low density bonded together with bonding agent orthermofiber, which is marketed under the designation LDA (low densityairlaid). The absorbent element 6 is, seen from the liquid-permeableinner layer 4, arranged under the insulating layer 7. In the preferredembodiment, this element is designed to take up and retain essentiallyall the bodily fluid discharged. The absorbent element 6 has smallercapillaries than the insulating layer 7 located above and thereforedraws liquid from the insulating layer and reduces back-wetting byliquid from the absorbent element to the insulating element and to theinner layer 4 which remains essentially dry during use of the product.Only when the absorbent element is saturated with liquid can transporttake place from the absorbent element to the insulating layer.

[0059] In the illustrative embodiment shown, the absorbent element 6 isalso intended to serve as a stiffening element and is for this purposedesigned so as to be very stiff in order, as far as possible, to avoidthe absorbent product being compressed in an uncontrolled manner in theevent of squeezing forces in the lateral direction generated by thethighs of the wearer in the crotch area. The absorbent stiffeningelement has a size, shape and stiffness which result in the product,throughout its time of use, retaining a predetermined shape and moreoverbeing retained in the intended position on the wearer. As can be seenfrom FIG. 1, the absorbent stiffening element 6 extends over the frontportion, the entire crotch portion 3 and a considerable part of the rearportion 2.

[0060] At the transition 12 between the crotch portion 3 and the frontportion 1, the stiffening element 6 has a width M which is adapted tothe distance between two particular muscle tendons on both sides of thecrotch of the wearer directly in front of the groins. These muscletendons form part of the muscle group which originates on the inside ofthe pelvic diaphragm and has its attachment along the thigh. This musclegroup consists of the adductor brevis, adductor longus, gracilis andadductor magnus muscles. As mentioned above, it is known that thisdistance between said muscle tendons is very similar for all people.This dimension is in the order of 25-45 mm. Research has shown that 80%of all women have a dimension of 30-32 mm between said muscle tendons.When said width M essentially corresponds to the distance between saidmuscle tendons on the wearer, the product will during use be anchoredfirmly with the transition portion between the muscle tendons and beretained in this position. The two side edges of the front portiondiverge in the forward direction on the product from said transitionarea 12. In this way, the product is substantially prevented from movingbackwards between the legs of the wearer. This is a common problem inconventional sanitary towels because the leg movements of the weareroften shift the sanitary towel backwards.

[0061] In FIG. 1, an angle between a line in the longitudinal directionof the product and each of said side edges has been designated by α. Inthe case of a large angle α, for example close to 90°, the edges of thefront portion may chafe against the groins and legs of the wearer and inthis way cause discomfort for the wearer. The smaller the angle α, thegreater the risk that the product will slide backwards in between thelegs of the wearer. In the case of an angle of less than 30°, this riskis high. An angle of 35-45° provides the best balance between securepositioning and comfort. An angle of 45° has been found to be especiallyfavourable.

[0062] An exemplary absorbent product, such as a sanitary towel,according to one embodiment of the invention is designed with a crotchlength adapted to the anatomy of the wearer. In one embodiment of asanitary towel according to the invention, use has been made of the factthat the great majority of women have a crotch length of in the order of80-100 mm. The stiffening element 6 in the preferred embodiment hastherefore been designed with a corresponding crotch length G of in theorder of 70-120 mm, that is to say, the distance from the transitionarea 12 to the start of the rear portion. Along the crotch, where thebody shape of the wearer is essentially plane, the sanitary towelaccording to the invention is designed so as in the dry state to berelatively stiff in the lateral direction, that is to say it issufficiently stiff not to be deformed in the lateral direction and formcreases. As the stiffening element 6 in the embodiment described herealso constitutes the major part of the absorption capacity of thesanitary towel, it is preferable to be capable of utilizing availablespace between the legs of the wearer in the crotch. The width of thesanitary towel in the crotch area is, with regard to the stiffeningelement, limited at the front by said distance between said muscletendons directly in front of the groins of the wearer. In the backwarddirection from said transition area to the end of the crotch portion,the width of the stiffening element 6 and thus the absorbent element canincrease continuously to in the order of 1.5 times the width in thetransition area 12 between the crotch portion and the front portionwithout any risk of the stiffening element chafing the wearer in thecrotch.

[0063] The abovementioned geometrical design of the area in and aroundthe transition area 12, that is to say the size of the angle cc and thewidth M, and also the selected crotch length G on the stiffening elementfor the product according to a preferred embodiment of the invention,affords a very good anatomical adaptation of the stiffening element,which gives the product a good fit and stability of the product in thefitted position on the wearer. This is of particularly great importancefor the functioning of the product, not least because the wetting pointcan, on account of the body position of the genitals of the wearer inthe longitudinal direction of the crotch area, vary by as much as in theorder of 20 mm for different wearers. As the available space around thewetting point is very limited in width and length, optimum positioningand anchoring in this position of the stiffening absorbent element ispreferable. This is achieved by means of said distances M and G selectedand said angle α selected.

[0064] The anchoring effect may be achieved at said muscle tendons evenwhen the width M on the product is less than the distance between saidmuscle tendons directly in front of the groins. The two edge portions ofthe front portion diverge in the forward direction, and the product canslide backwards slightly until the edge portions are anchored firmlybetween said muscle tendons. The distance M on the embodiment issuitably of the order of 15-35 mm, and preferably 25-30 mm. The latterdistance fits most wearers. If the distance exceeds roughly 35 mm, theproduct may feel uncomfortable to some wearers. A distance in excess of45 mm may be undesirable because such products may cause discomfort inthe form of chafing for most wearers.

[0065] The stiffening element 6 and therefore the absorption elementalso extend some way in over the rear portion 2 of the product. In therear portion of a preferred embodiment, the stiffening element has acutout 13 extending from the end edge of the stiffening element in thedirection of the crotch portion, as a result of which the product canfold along a longitudinal line in the cutout and the parts, the legs 14and 15, which are located on both sides of the cutout are more flexiblethan the wider crotch portion and can be made vertically movable inrelation to one another by selecting the width of the cutoutaccordingly. This cutout 13 aids in the adaptation and flexibility ofthe product in relation to the body. The fold in the cutout canpenetrate the cleft between the buttocks of the wearer and in this wayprovides very good protection against leakage via the cleft between thebuttocks, which type of leakage usually occurs during the use ofconventional products when the wearer is lying on her back. The cutout13 also makes it possible for said legs 14, 15 on the stiffening elementto be displaced vertically in relation to one another during differentbody movements, for example when the wearer is walking.

[0066] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cutout 13 iswedge-shaped and located symmetrically in relation to the longitudinalsymmetry line L of the product and also forms an angle β in the order of20°. This angle can vary within wide limits but of course depends on thedesign of the rear portion 2. In the case of a considerably wider designof the rear portion, such as in the design according to FIG. 5, saidangle β can vary between 10° and 120°, preferably between 15° and 40°.

[0067] The stiffening element 6 also serves as the main absorptionelement of the product and has very great liquid-spreading capacity forrapid spreading of bodily fluid received from the wearer in the narrowcrotch area directly in front of the genitals of the wearer over theabsorbent portions of the whole product, that is to say over the entirestiffening and at the same time liquid-absorbing element 6. Thisstiffening absorbent element of the preferred embodiment is designed soas to swell in the depth direction during absorption and on the wholeretain its geometry in the transverse direction of the product, whichresults in the stiffening element retaining its fit and securepositioning in relation to the body of the wearer throughout use of theproduct. The absorbent stiffening element 6 has great swelling capacityin the depth direction and attendant great absorption capacity.

[0068] According to a suitable embodiment, the stiffening absorbentelement 6 consists of a dry-formed fiber mat with a density between 0.15and 0.75 g/cm³ and a weight per unit area of in the order of 100-400g/m². An exemplary dry-formed fiber mat is described in U.S. Pat. No.5,730,737. The fiber mat produced is very stiff after forming andcompression. The fiber mat can be used as it is or mechanically softenedto the desired stiffness.

[0069] The selection of compression pattern also makes it possible tovary the extensibility of the fiber mat. The dry-formed fiber mat can bemade with the desired reduced stiffness and the desired extensibility byvirtue of the degree of compression selected and the compression patternselected.

[0070] Furthermore, in one embodiment, it is possible topattern-compress only specific zones for the purpose of imparting toonly these zones an extensibility and stiffness which are different fromthe rest of the stiffening absorption element. In another embodiment,the stiffening absorption element can be compressed over its entireextent but with different patterns in different zones. By means of thepresence of a stiffening absorption element which can in a simplemanner, by virtue of the pattern compression selected, be imparted thedesired stiffness and the desired extension in different zones, and inwhich the stiffness and extension properties can be selected essentiallyfreely in these zones, the controlling and guiding the shaping of anabsorbent product intended for taking up bodily fluids can beaccomplished in a new and previously unknown way.

[0071] As mentioned above, the stiffening absorbent element 6 has greatswelling capacity in the depth direction, which, when a dry-formed fibermat as above is used, has been achieved by great compression of thefiber mat in conjunction with its production. In the dry state, thefiber mat is hard-compressed and stiff, which affords the shaped andanatomically adapted absorption element very good stability in thefitted position on the wearer and very great spreading capacity, as aresult of which the total absorption capacity of the absorption elementcan be optimally utilized and leakage caused by local oversaturation canto a great extent be eliminated. During absorption of liquid, theabsorption body swells mainly in the depth direction but the absorptionelement does of course swell slightly in other directions as well. Whenthe anatomically adapted stiffening absorption element swells, furtherimproved anatomical adaptation is in fact achieved, which contributes tothe stability and flexibility of the product in relation to the bodyshape of the wearer when the stiffness of the absorption elementdecreases during absorption and attendant swelling.

[0072] So as to function in the desired manner, the stiffening elementpreferably has a stiffness of in the order of 1-15 N measured accordingto ASTM D 4032-82. This “Circular Bend Procedure” is described in detailin EP 336 578.

[0073] The stiffening absorbent element can also consist of a laminateof a number of non-woven fabric layers or tissue layers which aremutually fixed for increased stiffness and which have highly absorbentparticles between the individual layers. The individual layers can befixed to one another by a bonding agent, such as adhesive or meltfibers. The highly absorbent particles can also contribute to bonding.The stiffness is controlled by means of the selection of the number oflayers and quantity of bonding agent included and the selection ofhighly absorbent material and how the adhesive capacity thereof isutilized.

[0074] A stiffening absorbent element of this type can also be imparteddifferent stiffness and different extensibility in different zones ofthe extent of the element. These properties can in this case as well becontrolled by means of the compression pattern. This compression can becombined with the supply of heat, which supply can vary in differentzones. Furthermore, bonding agent can be applied in different patternsto control the shaping of the stiffening absorption element during use.A varying supply of moisture in different areas is another parameter forcontrolling the shaping of the product during use.

[0075] Another example of the construction of a unit serving as bothabsorption element and stiffening element is a number of layers of LDA,that is to say layers of the same type as in the draining and insulatinglayer 7. However, the layers of LDA in the stiffening absorption elementare bonded much more firmly both within and between the individuallayers. This bonding is suitably brought about by using both melt fibersand latex, what is known as the multibond technique. In this design aswell, stiffness and extensibility can be controlled by means of theselection of compression pattern and by variation of the heat supply indifferent zones.

[0076] Pattern compression can be used in all the material examplesdescribed above, and it is then possible to achieve, for example, hingeeffects along compression lines or compression zones.

[0077] Pattern formation can take place in conjunction with compressionof the stiffening absorption element. Alternatively, pattern compressioncan take place in a separate step after smooth compression. Use can bemade of, for example, a web of a smooth-compressed material made in oneof the ways described above as the starting material for the stiffeningabsorption element, which is pattern-compressed in the desired mannerand depending on the type and size of product to be manufactured. Afterpattern-compression, individual products are cut out.Pattern-compression and cutting-out of separate stiffening absorptionelements can take place in a single step in a combined cutting andpattern-compression unit.

[0078] As described above, the stiffening element can also constitutethe main absorption element of the product. This is particularlysuitable from the point of view of production because there are fewerelements to handle than if, for example, the stiffening element and theabsorption element constitute separate elements.

[0079] The invention also comprises designs in which the stiffeningelement is separate from the main absorption element of the product. Thestiffening element can then be absorbent or non-absorbent. The mainpurpose is to constitute a stiffening shaping element.

[0080] In addition to the interpretation of the term stiffening elementas constituting a completely separate element or constituting both themain absorption element and the stiffening element of the product, theterm can also embrace the interpretation that all the material plies,bonding agents etc. included in the product in the area of the desiredstiffening together form the desired stiffening element. For example, aunit serving as a stiffening element and at the same time as anabsorption element, with the M and G dimensions indicated above and withthe geometry described above but with stiffness which is per seinadequate, is included in the invention if the necessary stiffness isobtained by being bonded together with other material plies in the areaof the stiffening element.

[0081] The embodiment shown in FIG. 3 differs from the embodiment shownin FIGS. 1 and 2 only in that an elastic means 16 is arranged in apretensioned state in the longitudinal direction of the product andcentrally along the rear portion 2 of the product. The same referencenumbers have been used in FIGS. 3 and 4 as in the embodiment accordingto FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0082] The elastic means 16 is arranged centrally in the cutout andextends in the rear portion slightly beyond the ends of the legs 14 and15 and in the other direction some way in over the crotch portion. Theelastic means is arranged on the inside or on the outside of theliquidtight outer layer and is connected to the latter and/or otherlayers forming part of the product. The extent of the elastic means isnot critical but can vary somewhat in relation to the illustrativeembodiment shown in FIG. 3. The purpose of the elastic means 16 is,during use of the product, to draw adjacent material portions togetherand curve the product in the upward direction towards the body of thewearer for better contact with the body. The purpose is also to initiateand form the fold 17 which, during use of the product, is intended topenetrate a little way into the cleft between the buttocks of the wearerand prevent leakage of bodily fluid backwards along the cleft betweenthe buttocks, which leakage can otherwise occur when the wearer is lyingon her back.

[0083] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the components whichcorrespond to similar parts in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-4have been provided with the same reference numbers. The product in theembodiment according to FIG. 5 is provided with a considerably widerrear portion 2. The product also differs from the embodiments describedabove in that there are no wings for attachment around the crotchportion of the briefs of the wearer.

[0084] The stiffening element 6 extends with its leg portions 14, 15 inover the rear portion 2. The outer side edges 18, 19 on the legs 14, 15of the stiffening element 6 diverge from the crotch portion in over therear portion. In a rear transition area 20 between the crotch portion 3and the rear portion 2, said outer edge sides 18, 19 abruptly changedirection in relation to the edge sides 22, 23 on the stiffening elementin the crotch portion of the product.

[0085] The purpose of the edge sides 18, 19 of the stiffening elementdiverging in the backward direction on the rear portion 2 is that theproduct, in addition to being anchored firmly at the transition 12between the front portion and the crotch portion, will also be anchoredat the rear in the transition area between the crotch portion 3 and therear portion 2, as a result of which the product is very stable and wellfixed on the wearer during use at the same time as it feels comfortablefor the wearer by virtue of its anatomical adaptation in terms of shape,size and geometry. In the drawing, an angle between the longitudinaldirection of the product and each outer edge side 18, 19 has beendesignated γ. For a good anchoring function, this angle shouldpreferably not be less than roughly 30°. Furthermore, so as not to feeluncomfortable, the angle should preferably not exceed roughly 60°.

[0086] The distance G between the transition areas 12 and 20 is adaptedto the crotch length of a wearer and, as mentioned above in connectionwith the embodiments according to FIGS. 1-4, this distance G is suitablyin the order of 70-120 mm. As mentioned above, the essentially planearea of the crotch of women directly in front of the genitals has alength of in the order of 80-100 mm, that is to say all women areessentially the same size in this plane area. It has been found that acrotch dimension G on the product of in the order of 70-120 mm functionswell for most wearers. The larger the angles α and γ and the stiffer thestiffening element, the more important it is that the crotch dimensionon the product corresponds to the length of the plane crotch portion ofthe intended wearer directly in front of her genitals if the product isnot to feel uncomfortable.

[0087] It may therefore be suitable to have a range of sizes of theproduct according to the invention depending on the selection ofstiffness and said angles, so that different wearers can find a suitablesize with regard to dimensions and angles. This of course applies to allthe embodiments of the invention described here but is particularlyimportant when the product is intended to be anchored both at the frontand at the rear. The requirement for size adaptation also increases forall the embodiments the stiffer the absorbent element is.

[0088] The stiffening element and at the same time the absorptionelement 6 in the embodiment according to FIG. 5 has a cutout 13. As inthe other illustrative embodiments described above, this is wedge-shapedbut has a larger angle β which in FIG. 5 is obtuse. The angle P can bevaried within wide limits between 10° and 120°. How large a cutout 13 isrequired depends on the function required of the legs 14 and 15 and onthe absorption capacity desired in the rear portion 2 of the product.

[0089] The smaller the angle β with the same width on the rear portionas a whole and with the same angle γ, the wider the legs 14, 15 are,which in turn results in increased absorption capacity and increasedstiffness in the rear portion.

[0090] The size of the cutout also affects the height of the fold 17.This height of the fold and the shaping of the rear piece 2 also dependon the pretensioning and extent of the elastic means 16.

[0091] The illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5 can serve as, forexample, a night towel. Like the other embodiments, this embodiment isalso suitable as an incontinence pad. This type of protection is to becapable of dealing with rapidly receiving large quantities of liquiddischarged at a great flow rate from the wearer.

[0092] A product of the type shown in FIG. 5 can, in combination withsupporting briefs or with elastic pants adapted specially for supportingthe product, serve as a nappy for receiving both urine and faeces. Ifthe product is to serve as a nappy, the cutout 13 should be relativelylarge, corresponding on the whole to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, inorder that it will be possible for discharged faeces to be taken up inthe cutout 13 of the rear portion.

[0093] FIGS. 6-8 show another embodiment of the invention. Thisembodiment corresponds in many respects to the embodiments according toFIGS. 1-4, and those parts corresponding to the same parts in theembodiments described above have been provided with the same referencenumbers in the drawing.

[0094] A way of reducing further the risk of edge leakage caused by thesanitary towel being deformed during use, in addition to the arrangementof the stiffening element 6, is to provide the sanitary towel with araised portion, what is known as a hump, which is intended to makecontact with the genitals of the wearer during use of the sanitarytowel. Discharged bodily fluid can in this way be caught as soon as itleaves the body of the wearer and be absorbed immediately into theproduct instead of running out over the surface of the latter.

[0095] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the hump is brought aboutby a hump-forming element 24 which, as can be seen most clearly fromFIG. 8, is arranged below the stiffening element 6 inside theliquid-impermeable outer layer 5. The positioning of the hump-formingelement results in a number of advantages. Admission of bodily fluid isnot interfered with by hump material in direct proximity to the genitalsof the wearer, but the parts located closest to the genitals of thewearer can be optimized with regard to admission and absorptioncapacity. The positioning selected for the hump-forming element belowthe stiffening element 6 in combination with the positioning along thecrotch portion of the product also results in the positive effect thatthe product curves and shapes itself in the desired manner when fittedon the wearer. At the transition 12 between the crotch portion 3 and thefront portion, a point of inflexion is formed, in front of which, thatis to say in the front portion of the product, the product is concave atleast over a portion closest to said transition 12. Behind said point ofinflexion, that is to say along the crotch portion of the product, theproduct is, in the area directly in front of the hump-forming element,convex, that is to say the stiffening element 6 is curved in this area,upwards in the crotch portion 3, as can be seen most clearly from FIG.8. In addition to bringing about the raised portion on the front side ofthe product, the hump-forming element makes it possible to guide thestiffening element in the desired direction of curvature at differentpoints of the extent of the stiffening element.

[0096] The hump-forming element 24 consists of, for example, anon-absorbent synthetic wadding which has resilient properties. Such ahump-forming element retains its shape and function even when thematerial is in a wet state.

[0097] The hump-forming element can also consist of a foamed material,for example polyurethane foam.

[0098] As the hump-forming material is, in the embodiment shown, locatedbelow the absorbent element, which also serves as the stiffeningelement, the hump-forming material can be liquid-absorbing. In such anembodiment, it is suitable to select a material which has largercapillaries than the absorption element has, so that liquid can betransported to the hump-forming material only when the absorptionelement is saturated with liquid. A hump-forming absorbent fibrous layerwhich has resilient properties only in the dry state can therefore alsobe used in such a construction because the material is essentially dryuntil the absorption element itself is saturated with liquid. Thepositioning of the hump-forming element 24 below both the stiffening andthe absorbent element therefore affords a number of importantadvantages.

[0099] The element forming the raised portion has an elongate shape andextends over the entire crotch portion in the illustrative embodimentshown. The length of the raised portion can vary between roughly 20 mmand 120 mm.

[0100] The element 24 forming the raised portion is narrower than theproduct as a whole in the crotch area. In this way, it is possible forlaterally surrounding portions 25, 26 of the product as a whole to shapethemselves around the element 24 forming the raised portion. Thematerial forming the raised portion is suitably at least twice as thickas the surrounding areas 25, 26.

[0101] In FIG. 8, the product has been shown in curved,three-dimensional form for the sake of clarity. An absorbent product ofthe type described here is of course always three-dimensional in theconventional sense, that is to say it has length, width and thickness.

[0102] In this context, however, the term three-dimensional means thatthe product is curved in some way to adapt to the body shape of thewearer.

[0103] In this context, the term plane form means that the product isessentially planar. The product shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is essentiallyplaniform according to this definition in spite of the fact that theelastic means draws the material layers together in the cutout 13between the legs 14, 15.

[0104] Products in plane form according to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be packedsimply, for example in stacks in a box or bag and yet, when put on, bemade to adopt an anatomically adapted three-dimensional shape, as shownin FIG. 8, without any measures whatsoever.

[0105] By virtue of its special construction with the dimension of thedistance M between said muscle tendons, the hump-shaped element 24, theaction of the elastic means 16 and the stiffness and geometric shape ofthe stiffening element 6, the product is anatomically adapted andpredestined to adopt during handling a three-dimensional shape accordingto FIG. 8 adapted to the body shape of the wearer.

[0106] In the illustrative embodiment shown, the stiffening and at thesame time absorbent element 6 has the same stiffness properties over itsentire extent. As a result, uncontrolled creases, which could give riseto uncontrolled and unintentional liquid flow, do not normally ariseover the extent of the stiffening element. At the transition 12 betweenthe crotch portion 3 and the front portion 1, a curvature is initiatedbecause the product as a whole changes its flexural resistance here, onthe one hand on account of the hump-forming element having its enddirectly in front of this transition and on the other hand because thestiffening element is at its narrowest here with a dimension M adaptedto the distance between said muscle tendons on the wearer. At thistransition 12, a point of inflexion 27, or rather a line of inflexion,is formed, in front of which the product is concave and bowl-shaped,whereas it adopts a convex shape behind this point of inflexion 27. Ascan be seen from FIG. 9, it is suitable for the hump-forming element tobe rounded at the front along a line 28. In this way, the stiffeningelement is caused by this rounded line to adopt an evenly rounded bowlshape in the front portion, as can be seen from FIG. 9.

[0107] In the transition area 20 between the crotch portion 3 and therear portion as well, it is suitable for the hump-forming element 24,which in the embodiment shown extends as far as said transition area 20,to be rounded at its rear end. As a result, no undesirable creasesarise, but the transition between the convex crotch portion and the twoside portions of the rear portion 2 sloping downwards around the fold 17formed by the elastic means 16 is even and smooth without undesirablecreases.

[0108] The raised portion formed by the hump-forming element 24 also hasthe advantage that the fold extending into the cleft between thebuttocks of the wearer does not extend in too abruptly or too far andgive rise to chafing. In this respect also, the hump provides a softtransition in the transition area between the crotch portion and therear portion.

[0109] In all the embodiments described above, it is suitable, althoughnot necessary, for the product to be provided with a pressure-sensitiveadhesive on the outside of its liquid-impermeable outer layer 5. Thishas been indicated in FIG. 7 by adhesive strands 29 which, before use ofthe product, are covered in a conventional manner by a cover strip (notshown) treated with release agent. Although the product according to theinvention is anatomically adapted, it is suitable, for reliable securepositioning, to have a pressure-sensitive adhesive on theliquid-impermeable outside of the product for interaction with thebriefs of the wearer, which contributes to keeping the product in theintended position on the wearer.

[0110]FIG. 11 shows an embodiment in the form of a nappy. This has afront portion 40, a crotch portion 41 and a rear portion 42. The frontportion 40 and the rear portion 42 are intended to be arranged aroundthe waist of the wearer when the nappy is put on and to be closed in thefitted position by means of tape flaps 43, 44. In FIG. 11, the nappy isshown diagrammatically in plane form from the inside and is providedwith a covering in the form of a liquid-permeable inner layer 45,preferably made of what is known as a non-woven, and an outer layer madeof thin plastic film (not shown), preferably made of polyethylene.Inside the inner layer, an essentially hourglass-shaped absorption layer46 is indicated, which is thin and very flexible. Leg elastic 47, 48,which is intended to close tightly around the thighs of the wearerduring use of the nappy, has been arranged along the edge portion in thecrotch portion.

[0111]FIG. 11 shows diagrammatically a stiffening and at the same timeabsorbent element 6 of the same type as in the illustrative embodimentsdescribed above. The components corresponding to similar parts in theillustrative embodiments described above have been provided with thesame reference numbers in FIG. 11. The stiffening absorbent element isanatomically adapted in the same manner as in the illustrativeembodiments described above, with a dimension M adapted to the distancebetween said muscle tendons directly in front of the groins and with acrotch length G adapted to the crotch length of the wearer and withangles and geometry also as described above.

[0112] The embodiment of a nappy shown in FIG. 11 has a superior fitcompared with conventional nappies. The presence of the stiffeningelement means that, when the nappy is put on, it is guided into thecorrect position on the wearer and that it remains in this positionduring use of the product.

[0113] In all the illustrative embodiments described above, the width ofthe stiffening element and at the same time absorbent element 6increases continuously from the transition 12 between the front portion1 and the crotch portion 3 to the transition area 20 between the crotchportion 3 and the rear portion. One reason for this is that theavailable space between the legs of the wearer is very limited and it isimportant to utilize the width of this area optimally. The width canincrease in the order of 1.5 times between the transition 12 and thetransition area 20 without the wearer finding it uncomfortable. Anotherreason is that the product is more stable on the wearer when thestiffening element is made as wide as possible along the crotch portion.

[0114] The invention is not limited to the illustrative embodimentsdescribed above, but a large number of modifications are possible withinthe scope of the patent claims below.

[0115] For example, anatomically shaped stiffening and absorbentelements of the type described above can be arranged in what are knownas nappy pants, that is to say where the nappy is integrated intodisposable pants.

[0116] It has been stated above that the stiffening absorbent elementcan be made from different materials and from laminates or one or morematerial(s). The stiffening absorbent element can also be made from morethan one layer and with the extent of the individual layers beingdifferent, in which way it is possible for different areas of thestiffening element to have different stiffness.

[0117] As mentioned above, the stiffening element can consist of all thematerial layers and bonding agents included. Different stiffness indifferent areas of the stiffening element can therefore also be obtainedby varying the degree of connection in different areas, for exampledifferent quantities of adhesive in different areas and even the absenceof adhesive or other bonding agent in different areas between or inindividual layers.

[0118] The weight per unit area of the stiffening element produced froma dry-formed fiber mat is not limited to the order of 100-400 g/m², butother weights per unit area are possible within the scope of theinvention.

[0119] The elastic means 16, which is arranged in the cutout 13, hasbeen indicated in the illustrative embodiments described above as havingbeen arranged in a pretensioned state. However, in the manufacture ofabsorbent products such as sanitary towels, nappies and the like, it isknown to arrange a heat-sensitive elastic means in an untensioned stateand tension the elastic by heat treatment. This usually takes place whenthe articles are packed.

[0120] Although the present invention has been described in connectionwith preferred embodiments thereof, it will be appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that additions, deletions, modifications, andsubstitutions not specifically described may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appendedclaims.

1. An absorbent product comprising a longitudinal direction and atransverse direction, a front portion, a rear portion, a crotch portionlocated between the rear portion and the front portion, an absorbentelement, a liquidtight layer and a stiffening element which contributesto a three-dimensional shape of the product during its use, wherein thestiffening element is in a planar state before use of the product, thestiffening element extends in the longitudinal direction of the productover the crotch portion and at least a part of the front portion, thestiffening element has a width at the transition between the crotchportion and the front portion which is substantially adapted to adistance between the muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of thecrotch of the wearer in the groin of the latter and which is about 15-45mm, and the stiffening element extends in part over the rear portion andat the rear portion the stiffening element comprises two separateportions, one on each side of a longitudinal center line, wherein theabsorbent element and the stiffening element may be the same structureor separate structures.
 2. The product according to claim 1, wherein thestiffening element is absorbent and at the same time constitutes theabsorbent element, and the stiffening element swells during absorptionwhile on the whole retaining its geometry in the transverse direction ofthe product.
 3. The product according to claim 1, wherein the width (M)of the stiffening element at the transition between the crotch portionand the front portion is 20-35 mm.
 4. The absorbent product according toclaim 1, wherein the crotch portion has a length of about 70-120 mm. 5.The absorbent product according to claim 1, wherein the side edges ofthe stiffening element in the front portion of the product diverge in adirection from the crotch portion toward the front portion, and the sideedges of the stiffening element, in the direction from the crotch areatoward the front portion, form an acute angle with a line in thelongitudinal direction of the product.
 6. The product according to claim1, wherein the stiffening element has a stiffness in the dry state of inthe order of 1-15 N measured according to ASTM D 4032-82.
 7. The productaccording to claim 1, wherein the stiffening element comprises adry-formed fiber mat with a density between 0.15 and 0.75 g/cm³ and aweight per unit area of about 100-400 g/m².
 8. The product according toclaim 7, wherein the dry-formed fiber mat is, after compression,mechanically softened.
 9. The product according to claim 8, wherein thedry-formed fiber mat is imparted a desired reduced stiffness and adesired extensibility by virtue of a degree of compression selected anda compression pattern selected.
 10. The product according to claim 7,wherein the stiffening element has different stiffness in differentareas.
 11. The product according to claim 10, wherein the stiffness ofthe stiffening element is greater in the crotch portion than in the rearportion.
 12. The product according to claim 10, wherein the side edgesof the stiffening element in the front portion, which side edges divergefrom the crotch portion over the front portion of the product, arearranged so as to form an angle between a line in the longitudinaldirection of the product and each of said side edges of in the order of35-55°.
 13. The product according to claim 1, wherein the side edges ofthe stiffening element in the rear portion, in the direction from thecrotch portion, diverge at least some way from the crotch portion overthe rear portion of the product.
 14. The product according to claim 1,wherein in the rear portion, the stiffening element has a cutoutextending from an end edge of the element in the direction of the crotchportion, as a result of which the product is during use imparted a foldalong the longitudinal direction of the product in said cutout, whichfold is adapted to extend into the cleft between the buttocks of thewearer during use of the product.
 15. The product according to claim 14,wherein the cutout is wedge-shaped and symmetrically located and formsan angle of between 10° and 120° at its end facing the crotch portion.16. The product according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening elementconstitutes the absorbent element, and the stiffening element has astiffness of at least 1.0 N according to ASTM D 4032-82, and thestiffening element is designed with essentially the same stiffness overthe entire extent of the stiffening element.
 17. The product accordingto claim 1, wherein a hump-forming element made of a resilient materialis arranged under the absorbent element over at least a part of thecrotch portion, which hump-forming element is arranged so as to bringabout a raised portion on the side which is adapted to be fitted againstthe wearer, the raised portion being arranged so as to lie directly infront of the genitals of the wearer after fitting of the product on thewearer.
 18. The product according to claim 17, wherein the raisedportion is elongate in the longitudinal direction of the product and hasa length of between 20 mm and 120 mm.
 19. The product according to claim17, wherein the raised portion is narrower than the product as a wholein the crotch area, and the raised portion is at least twice as thick asthe surrounding areas.
 20. The product according to claim 1, wherein anelastic is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the product andcentrally along the rear portion of the product and at least along apart thereof from the crotch portion, which elastic means is intended,along its length, to draw adjacent material portions together and curvethe product upwards for better contact with the body of the wearer. 21.A product according to claim 1, wherein the stiffening element serves asan absorbent and has very great liquid-spreading capacity for spreadingbodily fluid received in the relatively narrow crotch area bounded bythe anatomy of the wearer directly in front of the genitals of thewearer over the absorbent portions of the whole product, and thestiffening element is designed with great swelling capacity in the depthdirection and attendant great absorption capacity.
 22. The productaccording to claim 1, wherein the stiffening element serves as theabsorption element and is essentially homogeneous over its entire extentwith regard to thickness, stiffness, spreading capacity and absorptioncapacity, as a result of which the stiffening layer and thus also theabsorption element curve evenly during use without forming localirregularities which may give rise to undesirable spreading of liquid.23. The product according to claim 1, wherein a length of saidtransition between the crotch portion and the front portion, in whichthe width of the stiffening element is adapted to the distance betweenthe muscle tendons of the wearer on both sides of the crotch of thewearer in the groin of the latter, is about 5-15 mm.
 24. The productaccording to claim 23, wherein the stiffening element constitutes theabsorbent element, and the width of the stiffening element after saidtransition area increases continuously in the crotch portion in thebackward direction towards the rear portion for the purpose of optimallyutilizing available width space in this area with regard to maximumabsorption.
 25. The product according to claim 1, wherein the product isarranged so as, by virtue of the stiffness selected for the stiffeningelement and by virtue of the selection of said geometry and dimensionsin and around the transition between the crotch portion and the frontportion, when the product is positioned in connection with it being puton with the transition between the front portion and the crotch portionbetween said muscle tendons, to be fixed in between these and in thisway be transformed from plane form to three-dimensional form with thefront portion curved upwards in relation to the crotch portion andforming a bowl-like shape at least in an area next to the crotchportion.
 26. The product according to claim 12, wherein the angle isabout 45°.
 27. The product according to claim 15, wherein the angle ofthe cutout is between 15° and 40°.